METHOD FOR INSPECTING TEXTILE ITEMS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for inspecting textile objects according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Textile items, especially used textile items such as soiled laundry (e.g., clothing, work clothes, flat linen, etc.), must be inspected for foreign objects before cleaning, particularly washing. Any textile items containing foreign objects must then be cleaned.

[0003] The inspection of textile items for foreign objects and their removal are currently done manually. This is costly and relatively time-consuming, unnecessarily lengthening the cycle time, especially of the washing process.

[0004] From EP 3 235 944 A1, it is already known to automatically inspect textile objects, particularly for the presence of foreign bodies. For this purpose, the textile objects are exposed to terahertz radiation. The reflected or transmitted radiation is detected with high energy resolution, and an absorption spectrum of the respective textile object is generated. Based on the detected absorption lines, foreign objects in the garments, for example, can be identified.

[0005] It is already known from CN 107 545 569 A to use X-rays to identify foreign bodies of various kinds in textile items.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of creating a method for inspecting textile objects, in particular used textile objects, which enables reliable, automatic, and time-saving inspection of the textile objects for the presence of foreign bodies.

[0007] A method for solving the problem comprises the measures of claim 1. In this method, the inspection of a given textile object is carried out using electromagnetic radiation of different spectra with varying energies and intensities. This allows for quantitative X-ray imaging of the irradiated textile objects. This ensures reliable detection of foreign bodies. In particular, various non-textile materials can be identified and / or imaged.

[0008] Furthermore, it is planned that for each different spectrum used to inspect the same textile object, a separate image, in particular a picture of the X-rayed textile object, is generated. Through comparison, especially an automated, computer-aided comparison, the different images or image data are essentially "processed," enabling the highly accurate detection of foreign bodies. This allows for the reliable and preferably complete identification of foreign bodies of various types and materials, such as metallic materials on the one hand and non-metallic materials on the other. Above all, this makes it possible to detect foreign bodies that would not be detectable with an inspection using only one spectrum of X-rays.Alternatively, it is conceivable to superimpose the images of each spectrum of the same textile object and thereby create a common image, i.e., a total image.

[0009] Preferably, the different X-ray spectra are generated simultaneously and imaged and / or visually represented by separate detectors or a single detector with multiple detector sections, each for a specific spectrum. In this process, all textile objects and foreign matter are always irradiated by all spectra. With this approach, the radiation generator does not need to produce different spectra. In the simplest case, a single radiation source with only one spectrum is sufficient. The different spectra are then generated before or at the respective detector or detector section by at least one filter for the X-ray radiation. This creates areas with different spectra, which are recorded by the adjacent detector sections of a single detector or, if necessary, several detectors, each for a specific spectrum, and from which different images are generated.

[0010] According to the invention, it is provided that several electromagnetic radiations of different spectra are generated, for example, by several radiation sources. The textile object to be inspected is then exposed to electromagnetic radiation of different spectra. This preferably occurs sequentially. Subsequently, the electromagnetic radiation for each generated spectrum is recorded by at least one detector, preferably consecutively, but optionally also simultaneously. In particular, an image is taken of each spectrum sequentially, and these images are displayed simultaneously side by side, for example, to at least one person. This at least one person can then identify all foreign objects by comparing the images, optionally even different images.

[0011] However, in a further development of the method, it is also conceivable to electronically overlay the images through a kind of processing so that only one image is generated on which all foreign bodies detected for the different spectra appear. This allows for a particularly simple, fast, and reliable identification of all foreign bodies in or on the inspected textile object, especially by at least one person.

[0012] According to the invention, the detection of foreign objects in or on textile objects is carried out using electromagnetic radiation of various spectra, specifically X-rays. This allows for the automatic inspection of significantly more textile objects per unit of time than would be possible manually. Furthermore, the inspection of the textile objects with electromagnetic radiation is performed at a location sufficiently distanced from and / or shielded from personnel, ensuring that any radiation exposure remains below a maximum permissible limit. This enables inspection with X-rays, from which personnel must be protected.

[0013] The method provides that at least the foreign bodies made visible by the at least one electromagnetic radiation are recorded by at least one imaging device or at least one detector, which preferably image at least a part of the garment, and that data recorded for each individual garment, preferably image data, of at least one image or at least one representation, are stored in at least one electronic memory.

[0014] Preferably, image data is stored only for textile objects where at least one foreign object has been detected by the electromagnetic radiation. Alternatively, the image data acquired by the at least one imaging device or at least one detector is visually displayed as an image of the respective textile object with the at least one detected foreign object. This can be done, for example, by retrieving the image data from the memory containing stored image data.

[0015] The image data reveals how many and what type of foreign objects are present in or on the textile item. Since the image data is preferably taken from the flat side of the hanging textile item, it also provides information about the location of each foreign object within or on the textile item. Based on the information obtained—namely, the number, type, and position of the foreign objects—the specific foreign object can be separated or removed from the textile item containing at least one such object, thus saving time. By saving each X-ray image of the textile item that has been irradiated and / or made transparent by X-rays, and by visualizing the foreign objects present in or on it, the foreign objects are visualized or displayed with regard to their type, size, and positioning.in the respective textile item, preferably in relation to the respective textile item.

[0016] By saving the image data of one or more images or recordings of the respective textile object, this data can be retrieved at any time and / or compared with other image data. This allows for documentation and / or the creation of a database of typical foreign objects based on saved reference images. By comparing the stored foreign objects in the database with current images, the type of foreign object can then be automatically determined electronically.

[0017] The image data is displayed visually in a location where there is no radiation exposure from the inspection process, or at least where the radiation exposure is below the maximum limit. This allows at least one person to safely remove the foreign object(s) from the textile item using the electromagnetic radiation used for inspection and visualization, based on the at least one image presented to them, ensuring that no foreign object is overlooked or forgotten. For this purpose, the number of foreign objects detected on the textile item can also be displayed to the person as a number, so they know exactly how many foreign objects need to be removed.

[0018] Preferably, the inspection of textile articles is carried out by detecting any foreign bodies present using electromagnetic radiation suitable for visualizing not only metallic foreign bodies but also other non-metallic foreign bodies within the textile articles. As a result of visualizing any foreign bodies in the textile articles, a preliminary sorting can be performed into textile articles without foreign bodies and textile articles containing at least one foreign body. Only these textile articles then need to be subsequently provided for removal of the foreign bodies.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the textile objects, while at least partially hanging freely, are exposed to the same or different types of electromagnetic radiation designed to detect foreign bodies. This preferably occurs when the textile objects are suspended from a continuous conveyor and / or from or on a frame. Inspecting the textile objects while at least partially suspended ensures they are sufficiently stretched or spread out to allow for the automatic detection of foreign bodies in and / or on them by electromagnetic radiation.

[0020] Preferably, foreign bodies are detected on individual textile items. Accordingly, each textile item is individually inspected for the presence of at least one foreign body. Depending on the throughput of textile items to be inspected per unit of time, two or even more than two textile items can be inspected simultaneously. This is preferably done by inspecting each textile item individually.

[0021] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the method involves detecting foreign objects in or on the textile items within a storage area. Alternatively or additionally, foreign object detection can be performed on a level, particularly a floor, located above or below a level where personnel handle and / or process the textiles. By inspecting the textile items for foreign objects on a different level, the inspection takes place away from any manual work being carried out on the textiles. This ensures that personnel maintain a sufficient distance from the area where the textile items are inspected using X-rays.This distance is preferably large enough that the persons are no longer exposed to any significant radiation, or at least that the radiation exposure is below the maximum permissible limit. This ensures that the X-rays used to inspect the textile objects do not result in any, or at least not an unacceptably high, radiation exposure that could have a harmful effect on people.

[0022] The detection of any foreign objects in or on the textile items preferably takes place after they have been attached to the continuous conveyor or after they have been suspended from the frame. By attaching the textile items to the conveyor or suspending them from frames, particularly transport frames, the textile items hang at least largely from the conveyor or frame. This facilitates and enables inspection with electromagnetic radiation. By performing this inspection after the textile items have been attached to the conveyor or suspended from transport frames, the textile items are examined for foreign objects before subsequent processing, so that any foreign objects detected can be removed before any further treatment of the textile items, in particular sorting, wet treatment, or the like, takes place.This prevents the detected and removed foreign bodies from causing further damage to the textile items and the people involved in the subsequent treatment.

[0023] It is also conceivable that, after the removal of at least one foreign object by the respective person, the object in question could be inspected again to verify that all foreign objects have indeed been removed. This inspection is carried out in the same way as previously described in connection with the visualization of foreign objects. Preferably, a separate facility is used for this purpose, which may also be located elsewhere, in particular on a different floor, where it is ensured that the persons working with the textile objects are not exposed to radiation or, at least, not to radiation exceeding the permissible limit.

[0024] Another advantageous embodiment of the method involves subjecting the textile objects, preferably only a single textile object or only a few, for example two or three, to X-rays for inspection purposes in a chamber that is at least largely enclosed. This chamber provides shielding against the electromagnetic radiation directed at the at least one textile object within it. As a result, no or at most a reduced amount of radiation escapes from the chamber. In this way, the inspection of the textile objects with electromagnetic radiation can be carried out at a closer distance from workstations occupied by people than would be possible with an inspection of the textile objects in at least one chamber without such shielding.As an alternative to the chamber, or possibly additionally, it may be possible to shield at least one radiation source and / or at least one radiation generator by, for example, arranging it in a housing that is shielded or shielding apart from the radiation exit.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the length of the textile objects, i.e., the distance between the upper and lower ends, is reduced for X-ray inspection. This means that only a smaller area of ​​the respective textile object needs to be exposed to and / or penetrated by electromagnetic radiation. This reduces the required radiation dose. Preferably, the reduction in length of the respective textile object occurs at least in the region of the chamber in which the textile object is exposed to the electromagnetic radiation.

[0026] Furthermore, it is preferably conceivable to reduce the length of the respective textile object by supporting a lower part of it on the floor of the chamber or a stationary guide track and / or a belt conveyor. The shortening of the length of the respective textile object then takes place, so to speak, by a "compression" of at least one part of the object, whereby a part, preferably a lower part, of the respective textile object moves to the side and / or is pushed upwards.

[0027] According to an advantageous further development of the procedure, the textile objects containing at least one data carrier are automatically identified before inspection.

[0028] In particular, it is intended that, in the case of textile articles equipped with a data carrier, the data carriers be read before these textile articles are inspected. The data obtained in this way can provide information about the textile articles to be inspected. This preferably involves determining the type of textile article. From this, it can be deduced whether the textile articles contain anything that could be considered a foreign body, even though it is not, such as metallic components, zippers, or buttons.

[0029] After the data carriers of the textile items—either all textile items or only those containing data carriers—have been read, the textile items are inspected. Based on the read data, the textile items are categorized. This categorization is based on the type of textile item and / or the presence of objects, such as metallic and non-metallic buttons or zippers. The information obtained from the read data can be considered when evaluating the inspection results, particularly regarding any foreign objects detected.For example, if a series of overlapping, non-textile objects are found during inspection, these can be disregarded as foreign bodies because, based on the previously read data from the data carrier of the respective textile object, it can be assumed that these are buttons that do not represent foreign bodies.

[0030] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows... Fig. 1 a side view of part of a device with a detection device for textile objects, Fig. 2 a central longitudinal section through the detection device of the Fig. 1 , Fig. 3 a perspective view of the detection device of the Fig. 2 , Fig. 4 a second embodiment of a part of a device for inspecting textile objects in the area of ​​the detection device, and Fig. 5 an image taken by the detection device of a spread-out textile object with three foreign bodies detected during the inspection.

[0031] The figures show various embodiments of a part of a device relating to the inventive method for inspecting textile objects, in particular molded parts and flat linen.

[0032] The device can be a transport system 10 for textile items extending through at least part of a laundry. In the present embodiment, the textile items are molded parts, namely work coats 11, although the invention is not limited to these. Therefore, when only "work coats 11" are mentioned below, this also includes other textile items and is to be understood as "work coats 11 and other textile items." The transport system 10 can simultaneously transport several work coats 11, as well as different textile items, for example, work coats 11, trousers, T-shirts, shirts, jackets, or even flat linen items, which are transported one after the other and / or one on top of the other, preferably spaced apart, in the transport direction 12 through the laundry.

[0033] The transport system 10 has a preferably circulating, stationary conveyor 13 with, for example, at least one rail. The conveyor 13 has a path corresponding to the desired transport route of the work coats 11 or the like through the laundry and is preferably designed as a continuous conveyor.

[0034] Preferably, spaced-apart carriages or carriers can be moved along the conveyor 13. The carriages or carriers are moved along the conveyor 13 in the transport direction 12 by an associated, continuously driven drive train, for example, a chain, at least along selected sections of the conveyor 13. This can occur continuously or discontinuously. Along certain sections of the conveyor 13, the work coats 11 can be transported freely and by gravity. For this purpose, such sections of the conveyor 13 have a correspondingly inclined path.

[0035] Transport brackets 15 are suspended beneath the respective carriage or on the conveyor belt 13. The transport brackets 15 can be permanently connected to the associated carriage or attached detachably. In the illustrated embodiment, each transport bracket 15 has a bracket hook 16, a bracket housing 17 located at its lower end, and two preferably identical bracket arms 18 on opposite sides of the bracket housing 17. A work coat 11 can be suspended from each of the bracket arms 18 projecting laterally from the bracket housing 17 on opposite sides, so that the work coats 11 hang down from the transport bracket 15. The bracket arms 18 of the transport bracket 15 can be folded down for automatic ironing of the work coats 11. It is also conceivable to suspend the transport brackets 15 with their bracket hooks 16 on the conveyor belt, which then only needs to have carriers instead of carriages.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the transport brackets 15 each have a clamp 14 under their bracket housings 17 for, for example, trousers or flat laundry items.

[0037] The conveyor 13 has at its beginning a loading section 19 located at a lower level, preferably extending horizontally. At least one person 20 can hang a work coat 11 onto a transport bracket 15 at this section. Viewed in the direction of transport 12, a rising section 21 of the conveyor 13 follows the loading section 19. Along the rising section 21, the work coats 11 hanging on the transport brackets 15 are transported upwards to a second, higher level. At least one storage area 22 for a plurality of work coats 11 hanging on transport brackets 15 can be located in this second, higher level. At least in the area of ​​the storage area 22, the work coats 11 are oriented transversely to the direction of transport and are closely spaced, so that a plurality of work coats 11 can be accommodated in the storage area 22.In the area of ​​the storage unit 22, the conveyor 13 preferably has a meandering course with several preferably parallel sections, with adjacent sections being connected at their ends to form the continuous conveyor 13. The number of sections depends on the size of the storage unit 22, i.e., the number of work coats 11 that can be stored in the storage unit 22. At the end of the storage unit 22, the conveyor 13 has a descending section 23, along which the work coats 11 are transported from the higher level in the area of ​​the storage unit 22 back to the lower level, where the loading section 19 is located. In this lower level, a preferably horizontal foreign object removal section 24 follows the descending section 23. At the foreign object removal section 24, foreign objects 37 can be manually removed from the work coats 11 containing them by at least one additional person 25.

[0038] In the area of ​​storage unit 22 located on a higher floor, or optionally in front of or behind it, at least one detection device 26 is provided for inspecting the work coats 11 for at least one foreign object 37 located in or on them. The detection device 26 is designed for the automatic, non-contact detection, in particular the image capture and / or display, of foreign objects 37 in the work coats 11 by means of irradiation and / or X-ray examination of the work coats 11. The electromagnetic radiation used is X-rays.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the detection device 26 is designed to inspect at least one individual lab coat 11, suspended from a transport bracket 15 of the transport system 10, for the presence of at least one foreign object 37. For this purpose, the detection device 26 has at least one radiation source 27, which can also be referred to as a radiation source, for generating X-rays to visualize foreign objects 37 in or on the lab coats 11. The at least one radiation source may be shielded. Furthermore, the detection device 26 has at least one detector 28, which, when X-raying the textile object, in particular the lab coat 11, or at least a part thereof that may typically contain foreign objects, is imaged and / or scanned.The at least one detector 28 can therefore also be referred to as an X-ray scanner, which also detects, in particular images and / or scans, any foreign bodies 37 that may be made visible by the X-ray. The detector 28 preferably has at least one line detector, or the detector 28 is at least one line detector that generates a line-by-line image of the respective inspected lab coat 11 and any foreign body 37 contained therein. Alternatively, the detector 28 can also be equipped with a camera that captures the image of the lab coat 11 generated by the radiation source 27, including any foreign body 37, and / or be designed as a camera.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the detection device 26, i.e., the radiation source 27 and the detector 28, which together form, in particular, an X-ray scanner, is arranged in a largely enclosed chamber 29. The chamber 29 is designed, particularly with regard to its material, such that it prevents, at least in large part, the escape of the X-rays generated by the radiation source 27. In addition to the chamber 29, a shield for the at least one radiation source 27 can be provided, or a shield can replace the chamber 29 altogether.

[0041] Chamber 29 is further configured such that the work coats 11 can be conveyed through it individually and sequentially by the transport system 10. For this purpose, chamber 29 has an inlet opening 30 and an outlet opening 31, which may optionally be closable. The inlet opening 30 and the outlet opening 31 follow each other in the transport direction 12, i.e., they are located at the beginning and end of chamber 29. In the illustrated embodiment, the work coats 11 are transported through chamber 29 with an orientation transverse to the transport direction 12. The transport direction of the transport system 10 thus runs along the surface normal to the (large) flat sides of the work coats 11. This allows the at least one detector 28, in particular the one in the Fig. 2 and 3The depicted line detector, the detection device 26, can image and / or scan a flat side of the work coat 11 in this orientation, the detector 28 is from one in the Fig. 2 and 3 The detector 28 can be extended and / or pivoted in the rest position shown next to the lab coat 11. The detector 28 can scan a flat side of the lab coat 11 and generate image data from it. The detector 28 is only briefly moved in front of the flat side of the lab coat 11, at a distance, to generate an image of the lab coat 11 with foreign bodies 37 visualized by X-rays, and then immediately moved back to its starting position to allow the lab coat 11 to be transported through the chamber 29. Likewise, the at least one radiation source 27, an X-ray source, from which the Fig. 2 and 3The detector 28 can be extended and / or pivoted into a working position in which it is directed towards the flat side of the lab coat 11 facing away from the detector 28. Alternatively, it is conceivable to arrange the detector 28, in particular a line detector, obliquely to the transport direction 12, for example at an angle of 45°, next to the transport path of the lab coats 11 through the chamber 29. Then the detector 28 does not need to be moved back and forth to take an image of the x-rayed lab coat 11.

[0042] Furthermore, it is also conceivable to transport the lab coats 11 through the chamber 29 with an orientation perpendicular to the transport direction 12. In this case, a method or an inclined arrangement of the detector 28 becomes unnecessary, because it would then always be facing or directed at a flat side of the lab coat 11.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiments, the conveyor 13 of the transport system 10 is guided through the chamber 29, running close to the ceiling 32 of the same. The conveyor 13 then passes through the chamber 29 through its inlet opening 30 and outlet opening 31, which can be closed if necessary, together with the respective work coat 11 and the transport bracket 15 supporting it. However, it is also conceivable to guide the conveyor 13 of the transport system 10 over the ceiling 32 of the chamber 29. In this case, the conveyor 13 runs outside the chamber 29. The bracket hook 16 of the transport bracket 15 extends through the ceiling 32 of the chamber 29. For this purpose, the ceiling 32 of the chamber 29 would need to be provided with a narrow slot extending through the transport direction 12.

[0044] Inside chamber 29, at least one radiation source 27 and, opposite it, the detector 28, which here is designed as a vertical, beam-like line detector, are arranged. The lab coats 11 to be inspected pass through chamber 29 along the detector 28, so that each lab coat 11 can be exposed to X-rays from the radiation source 27. The detector 28, in particular the line detector, is arranged or movable relative to each lab coat 11 such that at least a large portion of a flat side of the lab coat 11 can be scanned to generate an X-ray scan of the lab coat 11. The at least one detector 28 is dimensioned and arranged so that it does not irradiate and / or affect the transport system 10 and / or the transport frame 15, but only the respective textile object.

[0045] The image data recorded by detector 28 are preferably stored in an image file. In particular, it may be possible to assign an identifying feature, for example a number, to the work coat 11 or another textile object.

[0046] Contrary to the representation in the Fig. 2 Is it conceivable to arrange the detector 28, which is designed as at least one line detector, in a horizontal longitudinal direction? Such a line detector can be shorter than in the embodiment of the Fig. 2 The line detector is preferably moved up and / or down a vertical path in front of a flat side of the textile object, resulting in an area scan of the textile object. It may be sufficient to move the horizontal line detector up and down only to the extent in front of, or optionally also behind, the work coat 11 or other textile object to be detected, such that the part or area of ​​the textile object where foreign bodies are typically located is scanned.

[0047] The respective detector 28, in particular the vertical line detector ( Fig. 2 The horizontal line detector, or the horizontal line detector, can be arranged "floating". This is expediently done such that at least one detector 28, and optionally the entire detection device 26, moves synchronously with the work coats 11 being transported by the transport system in the transport direction 12. This enables the detection of foreign bodies during the transport of the work coats 11 or other textile objects. Thus, the detection of foreign bodies can take place during the continuous transport of the textile objects, in particular work coats 11.

[0048] Another alternative embodiment of the device is conceivable, in which the detection of foreign bodies in or on the textile objects takes place on a conveyor belt that does not interfere with the beams of the at least one detection device 26. The textile objects are then inspected while lying flat on the conveyor belt by being exposed to electromagnetic radiation. The conveyor belt, designed like a belt conveyor, transports the textile objects lying flat on it past the detection device 26 one after the other. With this device, continuous detection of foreign bodies in the textile objects is possible. Furthermore, the textile objects lying flat on the conveyor belt can be very advantageously and, above all, completely inspected for foreign bodies using electromagnetic radiation, and in particular, scanned without gaps.

[0049] At the foreign object removal section 24, a monitor 34 is assigned to the person 25 working there. On the monitor 34, the image data acquired by the detection device 26, according to the invention the X-ray scan, is visually displayed to the operator 25 for each work coat 11 currently passing by. Preferably, image data is only displayed for those work coats 11 transported past the person 25 that contain at least one foreign object 37.

[0050] Work coats 11, in which the detection device 26 has not detected any foreign body 37, can be continuously transported past the person 25 in the area of ​​the foreign body removal section 24.

[0051] The distance between the detection device 26 and the persons located closest to it, in particular persons 20 and 25, is chosen such that they are not exposed to any significant radiation, and in particular, are exposed to radiation levels below the maximum permissible limit. This is achieved by arranging the detection device 26, preferably together with the storage unit 22, on a different – ​​in this case, higher – level or floor. Additionally, as in the illustrated embodiment, or alternatively, the radiation exposure of the person is further reduced to a minimum by arranging the detection device 26 in a chamber 29 that serves as a shield. Optionally, an intermediate ceiling, not shown in the figures, may be present between the upper and lower floors.If such an intermediate ceiling is present, it is conceivable to dispense with chamber 29, because the intermediate ceiling then takes over the shielding function. In the event that the electromagnetic radiation is shielded by the intermediate ceiling and / or chamber 29, persons, in particular persons 20 and 25, can safely be positioned closer to the detection device 26, in particular its radiation source 27, in order to carry out their work there.

[0052] The Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the device of Fig. 1 In this embodiment, a fixed guide track 35 for the lower portions of the work coats 11 is assigned to the chamber 29. Viewed in the transport direction 12, this guide track 35 has an initially inclined section upstream of the chamber 29, which transitions into a horizontal section shortly before the inlet opening 30 of the chamber 29. This horizontal section can be arranged on or above a floor 36 of the chamber 29. However, it is also conceivable that this horizontal section of the guide track 35 is formed by the floor 36 of the chamber 29. Due to the section of the guide track 35 that is inclined in the transport direction 12, a lower part of the work coat 11 is deflected backwards as it slides along the guide track 35, thereby reducing the length of the work coat 11. This allows the volume of the chamber 29 to be reduced by having a height that is less than the lengths of the work coats 11.

[0053] Alternatively, instead of the guide track 35, a circulating belt conveyor can be provided, the path of which corresponds to the path of the guide track 35. In this case, the folded or deflected lower ends of the work coats 11 are not pulled sliding over the guide track 35, but are transported synchronously or almost synchronously by the belt conveyor without slippage or with only reduced slippage during the further transport of the work coat 11 through the transport system 10.

[0054] The method according to the invention is explained below by way of example using the apparatus described above: The textile objects shown in the figures as work coats 11, but also those that are not work coats 11, are inspected for the presence of foreign bodies 37 using X-rays at a sufficient distance from persons performing the work, in particular persons 20 and 25. According to the present invention, this is done by scanning the work coats 11 with X-rays (X-ray scan). The inspection of the work coats 11 with electromagnetic radiation is carried out at such a distance from the persons working closest to the detection device 26, in particular persons 20 and 25, that they are not exposed to any significant radiation.However, at least the radiation exposure of persons 20, 25 is reduced and / or shielded to such an extent that it is below specified, in particular legal, limit values ​​and / or maximum values.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the work coats 11 are successively examined individually for the presence of foreign bodies 37 while suspended from transport brackets 15. This examination is carried out by the detection device 26, located in the area of ​​a storage unit 22 for a plurality of work coats 11 suspended from transport brackets 15. This storage unit 22 is located on a different level, in the illustrated embodiment a higher level, in particular a floor above the level or floor where at least one person 20 suspends work coats 11 onto the transport brackets 15 and / or where at least one operator 25 removes the foreign bodies 37 from the x-rayed textile objects, such as work coats 11, after their detection.

[0056] The detection device 26, which has at least one radiation source 27, according to the invention an X-ray source, and at least one detector 28, in particular a line detector, irradiates or scans, preferably X-rays, a single work coat 11 at a time, thereby making any foreign bodies 37 visible and generating and / or recording an image of the work coat 11 with any foreign bodies 37 present in it by the detector 28. The detector 28 thus provides image data of the respective inspected work coat 11. This image data is preferably stored in an image file or as an image, associated with the corresponding work coat 11, and preferably displayed visually to at least one person 25 at the foreign body removal station 24, in particular as an image and / or X-ray image.

[0057] In the Fig. 1 and 4In the devices shown, the detection devices 26 are arranged in a chamber 29. This chamber serves to shield the X-rays or equivalent electromagnetic radiation generated by the radiation source 27. This also contributes to ensuring that persons, in particular persons 20 and 25, who work closest to the detection device 26 with the radiation source 27, are not exposed to any significant radiation exposure, but at least that the radiation exposure remains below the specified limits. If the detection device 26 with the radiation source 27 is arranged in the chamber 29 serving as shielding, the storage unit 22 or its storage section, and in particular the detection device 26, do not need to be arranged on a different level or floor.The detection device 26 and the radiation source 27 may then be located on the same floor where people are working, in particular the people 20 and 25 who are working closest to the radiation source.

[0058] The Fig. 5 Figure 1 schematically shows an image, in particular an X-ray scan, generated and recorded by the detection device 26. This shows the outline of the lab coat 11 including its pockets 33. As a result of the X-raying of the lab coat 11 with electromagnetic radiation from the detection device 26, foreign bodies 37 in the lab coat 11 are also made visible. Examples are shown in the Fig. 4 Foreign objects 37, such as a coin, scissors, and a syringe, are depicted in the pockets 33. Similarly, the detection device 26 can identify other foreign objects, such as writing instruments, including those not located in the pockets 33 of the lab coat 11, but rather, for example, clipped to the collar. Name tags or similar items can also be recognized as foreign objects 37 by the detection device 26 and captured as an image.

[0059] The work coats 11, inspected by the detection device 26 for the presence of foreign bodies 37, enter the foreign body removal area 24 after leaving the storage area 22. Work coats 11 in which no foreign bodies 37 are detected are continuously transported through the foreign body removal area 24 to, for example, a sorting unit or a laundry treatment unit. Work coats 11 with at least one foreign body 37 are stopped in the area of ​​the foreign body removal area 24 near the person 25, so that they pause briefly to allow the person 25 to remove all foreign bodies 37 from the work coat 11. The person 25 at the foreign body removal area 24 is assisted in separating the foreign bodies 37 from the work coat 11 by the image determined by the detection device 26 ( Fig. 5 ), which for this purpose is retrieved from the image database and displayed on monitor 34, corresponding to the lab coat 11 currently in front of person 25. Monitor 34 always displays the image that corresponds to the lab coat 11 currently located near person 25. Based on the image on monitor 34, person 25 can identify how many foreign objects 37 are on or in the lab coat 11, where the foreign objects 37 are located (e.g., in which pocket 33), and / or what type of foreign object 37 it is. For example, if a syringe is detected as a foreign object 37, person 25 knows that they must be careful when removing it from the pocket of the lab coat 11 to avoid injury.

[0060] It is conceivable that, in addition, the monitor 34 displayed to person 25 shows how many foreign objects 37 are present in the lab coat 11 currently in front of them. Person 25 then knows how many foreign objects 37 they need to remove from the respective lab coat 11. It may be necessary for person 25 to acknowledge the removal of each foreign object 37 on monitor 34 or an associated keyboard. For example, if the lab coat 11 contains (as in the case of the Fig. 5 ) if three foreign bodies 37 are present, the work coat 11 will only be transported further if the person 25 has acknowledged the removal of one foreign body 37 each from the pockets 33 of the work coat 11 three times.

[0061] Alternative embodiments of the invention are conceivable in which several lab coats 11 are inspected simultaneously. In this case, each detection device 26 has at least as many detectors 28 as lab coats 11 are detected simultaneously. It may suffice if, even when several lab coats 11 are inspected simultaneously, the detection device 26 has only one radiation source 27. However, it is also conceivable that, when several lab coats 11 are subjected to X-ray scanning simultaneously, the detection device 26 has several X-ray sources or other radiation sources 27.

[0062] Previously, the invention was described in connection with work coats 11. However, the invention is not limited to this. It is suitable for inspecting any kind of textile object for foreign bodies 37, in particular any articles of clothing (molded parts) and also flat linen (tablecloths, bed linen or the like).

[0063] An alternative embodiment of the invention, which preferably complements and / or further develops the embodiment described above, relates to textile objects that have at least one data carrier. The data carriers can be optically, optoelectronically, or purely electromagnetically readable without contact. Such data carriers can be stickers, barcodes, QR codes, and / or data storage devices, for example, RFID chips or NFC chips.

[0064] Before inspecting the textile items, the data carrier of each textile item, or at least of those textile items that have data carriers, is read out individually without contact.

[0065] Based on the data obtained from the garment in question, more detailed information about the textile item and / or the garment can be obtained, in particular information that could be of interest for the subsequent inspection of the textile item with regard to any foreign bodies. Preferably, the type of textile item is determined from the data obtained or recorded, for example, a work coat 11.

[0066] The information obtained is used to categorize the textile objects before the actual inspection, for example according to whether and which metallic components the textile objects to be inspected typically have, such as buttons or zippers, and according to those textile objects that, due to their nature, do not usually have buttons, zippers or other components.

[0067] Determining all or some of the data stored on the textile items prior to inspection leads to a reliable, and in particular error-free, inspection for foreign objects using electromagnetic radiation. For example, if the data of a textile item indicates that it is a work coat 11 with metallic or non-metallic buttons, these buttons will indeed be detected by the electromagnetic radiation during inspection. However, due to the arrangement, position, and / or shape of the buttons on the work coat 11, such buttons can be distinguished from other foreign objects that were detected along with the buttons during the electromagnetic radiation inspection. The buttons will then not be detected as foreign objects or will be disregarded in the evaluation of the inspection.However, if the data read from a textile object reveals that it is a T-shirt without any additional components, then any object detected during the subsequent inspection using electromagnetic radiation constitutes a foreign body.

[0068] In the previously described embodiment, which preferably complements the first embodiment described at the outset, at least virtually error-free detection of foreign bodies is possible by irradiating the textile object under test with electromagnetic radiation. This is achieved by identifying the type of textile object based on the previously read data carrier of the respective textile object. When evaluating the results of the electromagnetic inspection, metallic and preferably also non-metallic objects, such as buttons and zippers, which the object under inspection may have, are not detected and / or displayed as foreign bodies.

[0069] Another embodiment of the invention, which is preferably feasible in conjunction with the embodiments described above, but also independently thereof, is characterized in that the respective, preferably each, textile object is inspected with X-rays with several different spectra to detect foreign bodies in or on it. Preferably, with X-rays of each different spectrum, the detection of foreign bodies is carried out by producing an image of the same textile object with each of the different spectra, and then preferably superimposing and / or combining the images to generate a single, combined image.

[0070] Preferably, the textile object is inspected using only X-rays or other electromagnetic radiation with a single spectrum or a specific constant spectrum. A single radiation source generating only a specific spectrum or X-ray spectrum is then sufficient to inspect the textile objects. The textile object is exposed to X-rays of the same spectrum. However, these X-rays are not directed directly to at least one detector. Instead, the at least one detector is equipped with a device that at least partially modifies the spectrum of the X-rays. This device attenuates at least part of the spectrum of the X-rays emitted by the radiation source. This alters the spectral composition of the preferably single spectrum of electromagnetic radiation generated by the radiation source.This allows X-rays of different spectra and / or different spectral compositions to be generated behind the device. The device for modifying part of the uniform spectrum originating from the radiation source is preferably designed as a filter suitable for modifying the spectrum of the X-rays or other electromagnetic radiation.

[0071] The X-rays of different spectra and / or different spectral compositions transmitted through the filter are preferably detected by a single detector with separate detector sections, specifically a separate detector section for each of the different spectra. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that several separate detectors are provided downstream of the at least one filter in the direction of radiation. In this case, a separate detector is provided for each spectrum and / or each spectral composition.

[0072] The method according to the previously described embodiment is explained below using an example with X-rays whose spectrum has been attenuated: The preferably single radiation source, in particular a single X-ray source, generates X-rays of a spectrum. After passing through the textile object or being reflected, this X-ray radiation strikes the at least one detector, which is preferably located on the side of the textile object facing away from the X-ray source. The X-ray spectrum is at least partially modified before reaching the at least one detector. This results in two different X-ray spectra, each with a different spectral composition, being generated from the radiation passing through or reflecting from the respective textile object, which is preferably uniform.

[0073] The two different X-ray spectra are generated by at least one filter positioned before or on the respective detector. From the filter, X-rays with two different spectra and / or different spectral compositions then reach the detector, which, in the case of two differing spectra, is designed with two detector sections. This detector evaluates the different spectral compositions simultaneously, resulting in two different images and / or image data sets of the textile object being inspected. These are then electronically processed and / or superimposed to create a single image of the X-rayed textile object that is perceptible to a person. This image simultaneously contains foreign objects that were imaged by one spectrum as well as foreign objects that were imaged by the second spectrum.The person can then use an X-ray image of the inspected textile item to identify all foreign bodies in and on it, specifically foreign bodies made of various materials, especially non-textile materials. These non-textile materials are not necessarily metallic; they can also be metallic or non-metallic, such as plastic buttons, tissues (especially paper tissues), plastic zippers, or similar items.

[0074] For example, with foreign objects made partly of plastic and partly of metal, density information for the plastic and metallic materials can be obtained from different spectra. By combining and / or processing the images or data generated by these different spectra, a single image is created for the viewer, providing additional information about the material(s) of the foreign object. In this way, for instance, syringes with a plastic or glass body and a metallic needle can be clearly identified as such.

Claims

1. A method for inspecting textile articles, in particular used textile articles, for the presence of at least one foreign body (37) in or on the textile articles by means of X-rays, characterized in that the inspection of the respective textile article is carried out with different spectra of different energy of X-rays by generating at least one image of all X-ray spectra from the same textile article and detecting foreign bodies (37) in or on the respective textile article by evaluating all images taken with different spectra from the textile item to be inspected, whereby foreign bodies of different materials, in particular metallic and non-metallic materials, are detected by density information based on the different spectra.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the different spectra of X-rays are produced simultaneously and / or the X-rays of different spectra are recorded by at least one detector having a plurality of detector regions, in particular one detector region for each spectrum, wherein the plurality of detection regions are preferably formed by different filters or different filter regions of a filter for modifying the spectrum of the X-rays.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each of the different spectra of the X-rays is recorded by its own detection region by the detector having a plurality of different detection regions, and / or in the case of a plurality of detectors, each of the different spectra is recorded by its own detector.

4. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determination of the foreign bodies (37) is carried out with X-rays at a position separated from persons (20, 25) such that a radiation exposure of the person (20, 25) lies below a maximum allowed limit value, at least the foreign bodies (37) made visible by the X-rays are recorded by at least one imaging device and the data thereby obtained are stored in a memory for each individual textile article for which at least one foreign body (37) has been determined or the data recorded by the at least one imaging device are visually represented to at least one person (25) as an image of the textile article with the at least one foreign body (37) made visible by the X-rays.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the textile articles are exposed to X-radiation, which detects the foreign bodies (37) or makes them visible, in the at least partially hanging state, preferably a state hanging from a transport device (10) and / or hanging on a transport hanger (15).

6. The method as claimed in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the detection of the foreign bodies (37) is carried out on the individual textile article, preferably during continuous further transport thereof.

7. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that detection of the foreign bodies (37) is carried out in the region of a storage section and / or a storage area (22) for the textile articles, and / or the detection of the foreign bodies (37) is carried out in a level which lies above a level in which the persons (20, 25) handle or process the textile articles.

8. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the detection or inspection of the relevant textile article in respect of foreign bodies (37) is carried out after the hanging of the respective textile article from the transport device (10), preferably after the hanging of the respective textile article on the transport hanger (15) or the hanging of the textile article from the transport hanger (15).

9. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the textile articles, preferably only in each case an individual textile article or only a few textile articles, are exposed to X-rays in a chamber (29), in particular an at least mostly closed chamber (29) and / or a chamber (29) shielded against the emergence of at least a majority of X-rays.

10. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length of the textile articles is reduced for the inspection with X-rays, preferably reduced in the chamber (29), in particular with a lower part of the respective textile article being supported on a floor (36) of the chamber (29) or on a guide surface (35) arranged on or above the floor (36) or on a belt conveyor, at least in the chamber (29).

11. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an identification and / or classification of the textile articles is carried out before the inspection thereof, in particular that data carriers of the textile articles are read out before the inspection of the textile articles with X-rays, and the type of the respective textile article is determined or derived therefrom, and / or on the basis of the read data or the determined type of the respective textile item, an individual evaluation, assessment and / or identification of the respective textile item and / or of the result of the inspection of the respective textile item, preferably of the foreign bodies detected during the inspection, is carried out.